One‐step hydrothermal synthesis of BiOI/Bi₂WO₆ hierarchical heterostructure with highly photocatalytic activity

Abstract

Abstract BACKGROUND Chlorophenols ( CPs ) are organic pollutants and are most widespread in the aqueous environment. Photocatalytic degradation of organic compounds has been extensively studied as a potential technology for water treatment. In this study, BiOI / Bi 2 WO 6 hierarchical heterostructure with flower‐like morphology was synthesized by a facile method using a one‐step hydrothermal approach. The catalytic activities of the photocatalysts were tested by the degradation of 2,4‐ DCP under visible‐light irradiation and the photocatalysis mechanism of BiOI / Bi 2 WO 6 was investigated. RESULTS The as‐prepared catalysts exhibited the characteristic peaks of BiOI and Bi 2 WO 6 . The photocatalytic activities, which were evaluated by degradation of 2,4‐ DCP under visible light irradiation, were enhanced significantly by BiOI / Bi 2 WO 6 hierarchical heterostructures with different molar ratios of BiOI to Bi 2 WO 6 . CONCLUSIONS BiOI / Bi 2 WO 6 hierarchical heterostructure significantly enhanced the photocatalytic activity. The optimum percentage of BiOI was 10%. The optimal initial pH value of 2,4‐ DCP was determined to be pH 8. The possible reaction mechanisms were discussed on the basis of the calculated energy band positions. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry